The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a decadent yet oh-so-easy Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars recipe? This delightful mashup of classic cheesecake and tart cranberries, sweetened with a touch of maple, is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars
These cozy, indulgent bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a velvety smooth cheesecake filling and a crisp, golden crust. The vibrant cranberries add a festive, zesty touch, while the maple syrup lends a warm, comforting note. Plus, they’re a breeze to make, with simple, chef-tested steps for reliable results every time. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this lush, crowd-pleasing dessert!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to make these Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars, including a classic graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a topping of fresh cranberries and maple syrup. The result is a rich, satisfying treat that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) – Graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces (680g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh cranberries: You can use frozen cranberries instead. The texture and flavor will be very similar.
- Graham crackers: If you prefer a different nut in the crust, feel free to swap out the graham crackers for another type of cookie or cracker.
How to Make Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars
Get ready for a simple, straightforward process that yields impressive results every time!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Then, make the graham cracker crust by mixing the crumbs with melted butter and pressing the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and maple syrup, beating until well combined. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Spread the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Allow the bars to cool completely, then drizzle with additional maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cranberry Swirl: For an extra indulgent twist, try swirling in a layer of cranberry jam or compote before baking.
- Nut Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts in the crust, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Spiced Flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger to the cheesecake filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar would be a lovely finishing touch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: These Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
Reheat: Simply let the bars come to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the bars in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These bars are a decadent treat, but the combination of creamy cheesecake, tart cranberries, and sweet maple makes them a satisfying indulgence. Each serving provides a good source of calcium and a touch of fiber from the cranberries.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 36 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries in this recipe. The texture and flavor will be very similar, and it’s a great option if fresh cranberries are hard to come by.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, so you can prepare them in advance and simply pull them out when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the center is just set, with a slight jiggle in the middle. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, and use a toothpick or knife to check for doneness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before cutting. Wipe the knife clean between each cut for the best results.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
- Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars For Thanksgiving
- Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Brownies For Friendsgiving
Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of maple syrup, all nestled in a creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
4. 4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. 5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup.
6. 6. Fold in the cranberries gently.
7. 7. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
8. 8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
9. 9. Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
– For an added touch, drizzle with additional maple syrup before serving.
– You can substitute cranberries with other berries or fruit based on your preference.
– Ensure to use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheesecake, cranberry, maple, dessert, bars